Dispensing carton



E. B. GARMAN DISPENSING CARTON Aug. 15, 1961 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Feb. 5, 1958 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Feb. 5, 1958 ff M, 5. Q M LZ cZV INVENTOR. Emx Glyx/miv 27m/vifs United States Patent O 2,996,344 DISPENSING CARTON Edward B. Garman, Toledo, Ohio, assignor to Owenslllinos Glass Company, a corporation of Ohio Filed Feb. 5, 1958, Ser. No. 713,398 '3 Claims. (Cl. S12-45) The present invention relates to a carton. More particularly, the present invention relatesl to a novel carton employing a construction which adapts it to contain a plurality of cylindrical articles, and also to continuously and advantageously dispense same.

The marketing of cylindrical items, among which may be mentioned canned goods, jars of baby food, spices, jellies, and the like presents a problem of space economy to the retailer, e.g., grocery, super market, etc., and particularly so where the items are quite small. Thus, it can be seen that a large number of such items arranged on shelves occupies a considerable area. Stacking such items several rows high, while permitting some achievement of space economy, involves considerable risk of toppling and consequent breakage.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide ya carton which permits a plurality of cylindrical articles to be safely arranged therein in vertical array, and also permits easy removal of a single article from a dispensing opening.

It is a further object of this invention to provide such a carton which yfeatures a gravity reservoir for cylindrical articles, thereby yautomatically delivering articles in succession to the dispensing opening.

It is also an object of this invention to provide such a carton which may be produced `from relatively inexpensive materials of construction, and is of relatively simple design, both of which contribute to the economy of manufacture.

The foregoing and other objects of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the attached sheets of drawings, on which there is presented for purposes of illustration only, ya preferred embodiment of the invention.

In the drawings:

FIG. l is a three-quarter perspective view of the completely yassembled carton of this invention.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken on the line 2-2 of PIG. 3.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken on lthe line 3-3 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is -a plan view of `a knock-down blank used in forming the outer shell of the receptacle.

FIG. 5 is a plan view of -a knock-down blank for forming the bottom of the receptacle and reinforcing side walls of the receptacle.

FIG. 6 is a plan view of the partition or shelf supports, of which there are two.

FIG. 7 is a plan View of a knock-down blank constituting a partition or shelf.

FIG. 8 is a plan view of a knock-down blank of another partition or shelf.

Basically, the carton ofrthis invention comprises a tall receptacle, generally rectangular in horizontal section, a plurality of inclined partitions or shelves arranged therein for defining a continuous tortuous path for cylindrical articles, yand including a dispensing opening in the receptacle, near the lbottom thereof, of such contour as to permit easy removal of said cylindrical articles in sequence. The invention further contemplates a novel scheme for positioning said inclined partitions or shelves whereby they are firmly supported in the desired manner to insure continuous trouble-free functioning.

Referring now more specifically to the drawings, there is shown in FIG. l the complete carton 10 ofthe present invention. It is composed of a front wall 12, a rear wall 14, and side walls 16 and 18. Within the Ireceptacle or compartment dened by these walls are positioned a plurality of downwardly inclined partitions or shelves 32, 36, 40, `and 44. The receptacle includes a dispensing opening, generally designated 50, near the :base of the receptacle and lying primarily in the front wall 12. A cylindrical jar A lies adjacent the dispensing opening for easy removal. The partitioning member or shelf 32 extends from the front wall 12 through a slot 13 and spans -a major proportion of the distance between the front wall 12 and the rear wall 14. The rearmos-t end of the partition 32 leaves a distance between it and the rear wall which is sutcient to allow the cylindrical article to pass vertically to the next lower partition 36. The partition 36 entering the yrear wall 14 through slot 15 is inclined downwardly in reverse fashion with respect to the partition or shelf 32. Similarly, the partition 40 which enters the front wall 12 through the slit 17 is inclined downwardly in reverse fashion with respect to lthe partition 36. In like manner, the lowermost partition 44 enters the rear wall 14 through slot 19 `and is inclined downwardly in reverse fashion with respect to the partition 40. The partitions 36 and 40, like the partition 32, do not extend all the way from the wall of origin to the opposed wall, thereby leaving a space permitting vertical travel of `the cylindrical article from partition to partition. The lowermost partition 44 may desirably extend almost completely from the rear wall 14 to the front wall 12 so as to deliver the cylindrical articles to the dispensing opening 50.

A blank for forming la portion of the receptacle component of the carton of this invention is shown in FIG. 4, j

identied by the numeral 11. The generally rectangular blank 11 is bounded by Aan upper edge 11a, a lower edge 11b, and vertical side edges 11e` and 11d. Vertical score lines 11e, parallel to the side edges 11C and 11d divide the blank into panel sections 11j, 11g, 11h, 11i. The panel 11g is provided with -a horizontal slit 13 spaced just downwardly from the upper edge 11a, and a slit 17 spaced therefrom toward the bottom edge 11b. The panel 11g contains `a cut-out 20 which extends beyond the score lines 11e into the adjoining panels 11f and 11h, as shown.

The cut-out forms the dispensing opening 50 (FIGS. l and 3). The panel 11i is provided with a horizontal slit 15 which lies about intermediate the slits 13 and 17 in the panel 11g. The panel 11i further is provided with 1a horizontal slit 19 which lies generally in the horizontal plane of the cut-out 20.

In FIG. 5, there is shown in plan a yblank 22 which will be used to provide a bottom wall and reinforcing side lWalls for the receptacle. It is generally rectangular and bounded by a horizontal upper edge 22a, a horizontal lower edge 22h, and spaced vertical side edges 22C and 22d. Vertical score lines 22e divide the carton into panels 23, 24, and 25. The panels 23 and 25 each contain a hemispherical notch 26 in the lower edge 22h adjacent the score lines 22e. The wing panels 23 and 25 are generally the size of panels llf and 11h in the outer shell component.

In FIG. 6, there is shown a rectangular blank 60 which forms one of the guide panels, as described more fully hereinafter. It is bounded lby an upper edge 61, a lower edge 62 parallel thereto, and vertical side edges 63 and 64. The side edge 64 contains a pair of slots 65 and 66 which are generally parallel, spaced apart, and inclined downwardly in the direction of the lower edge 62. This edge is also provided with a hemispherical notch 67 spaced just above the lower edge 62. Vertical edge 63 is provided with a pair of parallel, spaced-apart slits 68 and 69 which are inclined downwardly in the direction of the lower edge 62. As illustrated, the slits in opposite relationship, and perpendicular to the panel 24.

n) edges are in what may be best described as staggered relationship.

In FIG. 7, there is shown in a knock-down plan View,

the bottom partition or shelf 4Q.. It is essentially rec-V taiignlar, although one endis narrower than theV other in part tofaeilitate the insertion thereof in the slots in the partially erected carton.' In additionfthe' cut-back or corner 44a serves as a stop contact with vthe inner extremity of the slits in the guide panel. v

In FIG, 8, there is shown in knock-down blank form, a partition or shelf which may be used to form the upper shelves 32, 36, or 40.V It is likewise narrow at one end for reasons explained, and is shorter than the partition 44 so as to leave a space between the inner end and the opposite wal-l, as discussed hereinbefore. Flfhis partition includesV a cutback corner 33to serve as a stop in a similar. manner as discussed in the preceding paragraph.

To erect the dispensing carton of this invention, the blank is first folded on' the score lines 11e so that the edges 11d and 11C come together, after which they are taped or otherwise secured together, as, for example, by provision of a glue ilap (not shown) or the like.V The member 11 thus `becomes the outer shell of the receptacle, and, as erected, is placed on its bottom edge 11b. Next, the blank 22\ is folded about score lines 292e to bring the panels 23 and 25 into upstandjng, parallel, spaced-apart It is theninserted down into the rectangular lopening defined by the edge 11a of the outer shell 11. The panels 23 and 25 are arranged in Hush abutting contact, respectively','with the panels llf and 11h, and with the notches 2d is registry with the cut-out 20. At this stage, the panel 24 will constitute the bottom of the carton of this invention, and the side walls will be composed of thicknesses 11h and 25, and 11jc and 23; If desired, the double-thickness walls may be secured toV each other by a quick-setting adhesiveor by the use of staples, although such is not necessary, as the parts are self-held when cornpletely assembled. Next, two fo. the `guide panels or partition support members 6.0.are. inserted into the carton to lief'flusli against rthe panels 23 and 25, and with the hemispherical notch 6 7 in registry with the notches 26 and the cut-out 20. Finally, the partitions or shelves are inseited through the slits 13, 15, 17, and 19j in the panels 11g (the front wall lg'of FIG. l), and 11i (the rear wall1,1,, of FIG. l). The side edges of the Wide portion ofthe partitions or shelves will ride in the staggered grooyes Vor slots 6 5, V66, 68, and 69m the guide panel 60. corner or cut-back 33of the partition. 32 will contact the innerv terminus 33d of the slit-:65.V Likewise, identical corners, of partitions 3,6, and` 40.n will contact the inner terminus of 'slits 68 and`66, respectively. The corner or cutaback 44a ofthe lowermost partition 44 will contact the inner terminus 4411 of slit 659. The dimensions of the slits and the location of the corners or cut-backs are chosen to insure that the partitions or shelves do not extend too far toward the opposite wall. In this fashion, a space is provided which will'tbe sufficient to allow the cylindrical articles to fall easily 'from the higher partition to the next lowermost partition or shelf; VIt will be appreciated that the partitions or shelves are thus firmly held inthe desired downwardly inclined relationship, and there will -be produced a carton essentially as shown in FIGS. 1, 2V, and 3. A portion of the partitions or shelves will extend outwardly beyond the confines of the receptacle and, by Contact with the edges of the slits in the outer shell, will actually help to hold the bottom wall, clue to frictional contact through the guide panel 6% and the Wing panels 23 and 25, the latter being integrally attached to the panel 24 forming the 'bottom wall. It will be appreciated that the width of the partitions or shelves may be chosen to function as described. Of course, the bottom wall does not bear a great deal of weight in any event, Yas the shelves or partitions themselves support the cylindrical articles. f

plurality of cylindrical articles of the type mentioned may be placed on the uppermost partition 32, from whence they will pass downwardly to drop onto partition 36, then reversely toward the front wall of the carton, thence downwardly to the partition or shelf 40 to roll rearwardly, thence to the lowermost partition 44, and thence forwardly Vto a point adjacenttlie opening 5S. (Note arrows in FIG. l.) The opening 50, as defined by the cut-out 2li and thenotches 2 6'andY 6,7, isspaced above the base of the carton so as to leave a restraining vertical lip S1 which will prevent the cylindrical articles from rolling freely therefrom. The size ofthe dispensing opening is selected in accordance with the sitze4 of the cylindrical articles to be contained and dispensed thereby, and, in particular, the notches 26 and 67 and the portion of the cut-out in the panels 11jc and 1111 are chosen such that the ends of the cylindrical articles will be sufficiently exposed that-they can be manually gripped by the consumer or purchaser, lifted up over theV restraining lip 51, and removed. The carton illustrated is readily adapted to contain a plurality of cylindrical articles arranged on their sides on the shelves or partitions. As the article near the dispensing opening is removed, gravity -will cause all the articles to roll laterally and downwardly one position closer to the dispensing opening. (See jars A.)

As can be seen, the carton constructionrof this invention is of essentially simple design and can be economically produced with a variety of relatively cheap materials of construction. It,V has been foundthat corrugated board is well adapted for this purpose, as itA is suiiiciently stiff, yet is slightly deformable, so that the dimensions need not be too accurately maintained, yet allowing the carton to be erected satisfactorily. Other materials of construction may, of course, be used; thus, fairly heavy chip board is satisfactory. Also, materials such as clothplastic laminates, molded plastics, andthe like may. be used. The vertical stacking provided by the carton construction of this invention readily accomplishes space economyat the retail level, and does so safely. The proprietor need only replenish the supply of cylindrical articles in the receptacle as it becemes empty.

I-f desired, certainof the upstzmdingv walls of the carton may be provided with a see-through opening so that the proprietor may determine the number of articles in the receptacle and anticipate refilling.V

It will appear obvious to those skilled in the art that modifications may be incorporated into the carton construction disclosed. herein, and it is not intended to be limited to the exact .construction shown and discussed herein,` except as1 necessitated by the scopel of the appended claims.

I claim:

1. A dispensing carton `for cylindrical articles compnising an Vouter receptacle. having pairs of opposed end and side Walls, said end walls, being` provided'with substantially full width, vertically spaced, horizontal slots in staggered relationship, an inner channel member comprising a central panel forming a bottom wall for said carton, upstanding wing panelsfoldably securedtosaid central panel and in ush engagement with the side wallsof said receptacle, a plurality of partition members, extending alternately from said end walls, and a pair of generally rectangular inner guide panels resting on. said central panel and each held flush against one of said wing panels, each off saidv guidey panels. having a plurality ofV downwardly inclined-slits extending laterally iny ,staggered relationship from opposedyercal, edges.. Said slits and. Said., slots in said end walls Vcooperatingbto define supports, for said partitioning members, the, lower free edges of said partitions leavinga space thenebetween and' the Yend Walls for passagef articles fromthe higher partition to the next lower partition, onewof said walls being` provided with a dispensingopening.spacedjust upwardly from the bottom.

Wall andff. Sutlient Size t@ permit manualsrippng of successive articles Vand removal thereof.

2- A. dispensing carton for. Cylindrical: articlesomprisf ing an outer receptacle having pairs of'opposed-endand side walls, said end walls being provided with substantially full width, vertically spaced, horizontal slots in staggered relationship, a pair of guide panels respectively disposed parallel to said side walls, each of said panels having a plurality of downwardly inclined slits extending generally laterally in staggered relationship alternately from the two vertical edges of a panel, said slits having upper ends adjacent said slots, a plurality of transverse partitions disposed between said guide panels, said partitions having upper free ends supported by said slots and marginal side edges supported by said slits, each of said partitions, except the lowermost, also having a lower free end defining a space, said free end and the adjacent end wall for the passage of articles from a higher partition to the next lower partition, said lowermost partition substantially spanning the space between the end walls, and the end wall 4adjacent the lower end of said lowermost partition being provided with a dispensing iopening of a size to permit removal therethrough of said articles in single sequence.

3. A dispensing carton for cylindrical articles, comprising an outer receptacle having pairs of opposed end and side walls, said end walls being provided with substantially full width, vertically spaced, horizontal slots in staggered relationship, a pair of -guide panels respectively disposed parallel to said side walls, each of said panels having a plurality of downwardly inclined slits extending generally laterally in staggered relationship alternately from the two vertical edges of a panel, said slits having upper ends adjacent said slots and lower ends terminating inwardly Ffrom said vertical edges, a plurality of transverse partitions disposed between said yguide panels, said partitions having upper free ends supported by said slots and marginal side edges supported by said slits, said partitions also having a portion abutting against the lower end of said slits, thereby restraining said partitions against downward movement, and each of said partitions, except the lowermost, having a lower free end defining a space between said =free end and the adjacent end wall `for the passage of articles from a higher partition to the next lower partition, said lowermost partition substantially spanning the space between end walls, and the end wall adjacent the lower end of said lowermost partition being provided with a dispensing opening of a size to permit removal therethrough of said articles in single sequence.

References Cited in the tile of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 388,251 Bower Aug. 2l, 1888 1,276,630 Earl Aug. 20, 1918 1,341,893 Fitz Ger-ald June l, 1920 1,706,298 Ielks `et al Mar. 19, 1929 1,931,403 Conor Oct. 17, 1933 2,382,191 Weichselbaum Aug. 14, 1945 2,649,348 Calhoun et al Aug. 18, 1953 FOREIGN PATENTS 623,769 Great Britain May 23, 1949 

